How to Apply - If your first university degree is from abroad

We are delighted that you are considering the Master’s program in Public and International Economics (PIE) at TU Dresden! This page guides you step-by-step through the application process.

How to apply

If your first university degree is from abroad:

• Apply via uni-assist.de
• Non-EU citizens: Application deadline is May 31 (each year)

• EU citizens: Application deadline is July 15 (each year)

Admission Requirements

To apply for the PIE program, you must have:

• A first university degree in Economics or a related field (recognized in Germany)
• English proficiency at level B2 (CEFR)
• Proof of aptitude:
  • At least 35 ECTS credits in Economics with a good average grade
  • At least 15 ECTS credits in quantitative methods (e.g., Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics)

The Admissions Committee will review your documents to ensure you meet these criteria, as specified in the Aptitude Assessment Regulations. 

Application Steps

1. Register on the uni-assist.de portal

2. Prepare Your Documents: All documents must be in German or English. Please also include the original-language version.

• Application form for the aptitude test (Download here)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter
• Two academic references (Professors from your completed Bachelor program; contact details only; no letter of recommendation needed)

• Copy of your first university degree (If your degree is not yet available, submit a certificate from your university’s examination office confirming you have completed at least 80% of your program’s credits (from completed modules and/or thesis).

• Additional certificates and module descriptions (to document fulfillment of the aptitude criteria)

• Proof of English proficiency (see below)

3. Submit Your Application

• Upload all documents to the uni-assist.de portal.

Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline:

• Non-EU citizens: Application deadline is May 31 (each year)
• EU citizens: Application deadline is July 15 (each year)

4. Check the status of your submission in the online portal (uni-assist.de)

What Happens After Submission?

• uni-assist reviews your documents to ensure they are complete and that your degree is recognized in the German university system
• Once we receive the documents from uni-assist.de, the Admissions Committee of our faculty will review your application. The Admissions Committee may invite you to an online interview to check your knowledge, skills, or abilities.

• If successful, you will receive a Certificate of Aptitude. A copy will also be sent to the Admissions Office along with your application files.

• After your university entrance requirements are checked, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (Zulassungsbescheid) with further instructions.
• Follow the instructions in your Letter of Acceptance to complete your enrollment.
• Late arrival / deferral: Deadline of enrollment for the winter semester is October 31. If you cannot manage to enroll by October 31 (e.g. because of visa issues), you can use the Letter of Admission to enroll for the PIE program in the following winter semester. Enrollment in the summer semester is not possible.

Accepted Proofs of English Proficiency (Level B2)

You can demonstrate English proficiency with any of the following:

• Certificate of university entrance qualification (with at least six years of English)
• University entrance qualification completed entirely in English
• Degree completed entirely in English (e.g., BSc)
• TOEFL (minimum 72)
• IELTS (minimum 5.5)
• Cambridge First Certificate inEnglish (minimum C (FCE))
• Pearson PTE Academic (minimum 59)
• TOEIC (minimum 785)
• Telc B2
• UNIcert II
• IGCSE 1st and IGCSE 2^nd B2
• Other recognized certificates

Questions?

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us. 

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to TU Dresden!